Local pickleball scene thriving ahead of outdoor season

When Michelle Manson moved to Sault Ste. Marie a short time ago, she was eager to meet new people while participating in a physical activity.

The Sault College grad was one of nearly 100 local players who discovered Soo Pickleball and joined their beginner-level sessions at The Tech Complex gym this past January.

Taking part in one of those two-hour sessions this morning, Manson can’t imagine her weekly schedule not including the paddle sport now.

“I had never played before, and I was looking for something indoors with a little more cardio in the winter,” she told SooToday. “It was an opportunity to meet some new people. It’s a really welcoming and friendly community.”

Founded in 2020, the organization received a huge boost to its programming when eight new pickleball courts were built at the Elliott Sports Complex the year after.

Soo Pickleball was then recognized as an affiliated club of Pickleball Canada and Ontario in 2022, making them eligible to host larger events like last summer's Ontario North Region Championship.

Following a busy summer and formative winter, the club has grown to nearly 600 active members.

“People are sticking with it – that’s the best part,” said Shelagh Yanni, Soo Pickleball spokesperson. “I’ve been playing for just over a year and I’m addicted.”

Helping oversee weekend scrambles for beginner, recreational, and competitive players inside The Tech, Yanni said the sport is one of the most accessible and easy-to-learn activities out there.

“It’s the kind of sport that sounds silly – the name – so that sort of stops some people from trying it,” she admitted. “But once you try it, I think the number one thing is it’s social. You meet a lot of people, you don’t have to join as a partner, and it’s a game that’s easy to get good at.”

“You see your progress quickly,” Yanni added. “If you have any athletic ability, you will get good if you’re doing the right things. If you don’t strive to be a competitive player, that’s fine too. You stay with the social groups and just have a ton of fun.”

The public is invited to watch a pair of upcoming scrambles at The Tech:

• April 27: Recreational players start at 9 a.m.
• April 28: Competitive players start at 9 a.m.

The organization is also looking forward to hosting the Soo Pickleball Palooza, a round robin-style tournament at the Soo Pee Wee Arena for recreational and competitive players on June 22.

Registration, which opens May 1, will be available on the group’s website.